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enWatson: Saints need three new January signingsSouthampton need to sign three new players to bolster their squad in the January transfer window, according to former striker Gordon Watson.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/southampton-need-three-january-signings-says-watson
The south-coast club have been one of the Premier League's surprise packages this season, with manager Ronald Koeman guiding the club to fifth place with 29 points from 17 matches.
Southampton's formhas been particularly impressive considering Koeman had to deal with an exodus of several keybest players at the start of the season, with the likes of Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and L﻿uke Shaw all departing.
However, the task of sustaining a challenge for European football showed when they lost four straight matches in the Premier League recently -a run ended by a resounding 3-0 beating of Everton last weekend.
And Watson, whohad a two-year spell at Southampton between 1995 and 1997, believes that the current squad needs a trio of additions to remain competitive.
"I think we need three new players, a striker who's different to [Graziano] Pelle, a winger who's different to [Dusan] Tadic and a new centre-back," he told Perform.
"When everyone is fit they have an outstanding squad. The biggest plus I've seen this year is that we've finally been able to change the game from the bench."
Watson also paid tribute to the job done by Koeman considering the uncertainty facing the Dutchman when he took the role in the close-season.
"I think he's been outstanding," he added. "The way they started the season with such confidence.
"It's never easy bringing players in, it's never easy for a new manager or his staff.
"It's just a happier place to be, recent weeks have tested that, but he's been outstanding."
news_articleThu, 25 Dec 2014 20:16:18 +0000Anonymous311534 at http://www.fourfourtwo.comWatson excited by Southampton prospectsSouthamptons future remains bright despite an exodus of the clubs top stars, according to former striker Gordon Watson.http://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/watson-excited-southampton-prospects
The optimism derived from a top-eightPremier League finish has waned as captain Adam Lallana, striker Rickie Lambert and talented full-back Luke Shaw have all since departed St Mary's.
Mauricio Pochettino has also left for pastures new, with Ronald Koeman taking on the manager's role in what is a period of transition for a club who, just four years ago, were in League One.
But,while Southampton may have lost some of their star players - and others, such as Dejan Lovren and MorganSchneiderlin, couldsoon also be on their way - they have received a substantial financial boost from the transfer fees.
And Watson, whohad a two-year spell at Southampton between 1995 and 1997,believes the club could yet turn the situation to their advantage - providing they invest the money wisely.
"I think it'sa really exciting time," Watson told Perform."I think they've got top dollar for top players. If they want to go to the next level they have to bring in players.
"They've brought in a top-class manager who hasplayed at the very top, that's going to inspire players. I think it's really exciting.
"They're going to be raising the best part of £60 million.Who is to say that hewon't bring in better players than Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert? And theywill be a lot cheaper. I think it's really exciting."
Watson conceded that the financial clout ofLiverpool, who Lambert and Lallana joined, and Manchester United, who swooped for Shaw, was always going to prove too strong for and Southamptonto resist.
"The amount of money that is being offered for players you've got to take it," he added."Adip in form or anything else like that and you're stuck.
"You're always going to second guess yourself but if you get offered £25 million [you have to take it]becausea year later you might only get offered, say, £15 million.
"If you can get £25 million for a player and that player wants to go then he has to go.It's as simple as that. Adam Lallana said he wanted to go, Rickieis adifferent matter because he's 32 and he was going home to his boyhood club.
"Luke Shaw is probably the best left-back in the country, (but)if you're going to get £30 million for an 18-year-old again you've got to take it. You might be able to go and get three players worth £7 million or £8 million and still have £6 million left over."
news_articleSat, 05 Jul 2014 15:54:07 +0000Anonymous207146 at http://www.fourfourtwo.com